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American Government and Economics – Dillon
Insight Papers and Presentation
Assignment Introduction:
As we study American Government and Economics this year, you will choose two current U.S.
news articles about a specific topic that discusses important ideas, issues and questions that
relate to either American Government or the U.S. Economy. Specifically, you will choose a news
topic related to the class you are currently enrolled in, American Government or Economics.
You are to research, read and annotate the two articles and use them as the basis of a paper
where you provide the importance of the topic as it related to your chosen topic. Insight is
defined as the ability to understand clearly or deeply.
Insight Paper Details:
1. Format/Length:
You will write two (2) insight papers each semester, two (2) pages in length, single-spaced and
12-point font. Please write in complete grammatically correct paragraphs, using academic
vocabulary and do write in the first person. You must print out copies of both annotated news
articles and staple it to the back of your insight paper.
2. Paper Organization:
Each paper should include the name of the sources of the articles, the dates, the titles and the
authors of the articles.
Your paper should include an introduction that includes a summary of the topic, detailed body
paragraphs that discusses the issues, unanswered questions about the topic, related events,
people, etc. found in the article.
Lastly your paper should have concluding paragraph that does not simply restate what you have
already written. Rather, your conclusion should include your insights about the topic, show your
readers why your paper was important and/or gives your reader something to think about.
3. Insight Component:
Your paper must include insights about what you have learned and understand as a result of
your research and reading your article. Insight is defined as the ability to understand clearly or
deeply.
Simply, your paper should show your clear understanding of the and or questions, etc. related to
your topic and both articles. Your insights should discuss important issues, ideas, people, places
and your questions as a result of your research that are answered and not answered in the
articles.
4. Research:
Your insight papers must include a detailed discussion of two different and distinct news articles
about your topic from reputable newspaper or online news sources.
The following is a list of acceptable news sources (either online and print) to use for your
research: The New York Times, The Economist, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA
Times, PBS, New York Times, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle and The Chicago Tribune.
Do not use Wikipedia, or other “Headline News” sources that have short articles that provide
only a summary of the story like CNN.com, BuzzFeed, Yahoo news, etc.
5. International Paper:
One of your two insight papers will have an international focus using a foreign news source.
Your international insight paper must explain how the American Government (first semester) or
how the U.S. Economy (second semester) relates to another country or the politically (first
semester) or economically (second semester).
For the international focused insight paper, your news articles you must be a foreign news
source. There are many foreign news sources in English to use. Here is a list of just some of them
to get you started:
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/news.html#News%20Agencies
Paper Presentation (present one paper each semester):
You are required to orally present one of two your insight papers to the class each semester.
Prepare a five minute oral presentation that summarizes the theme(s), important ideas, issues,
places and people related to your topic.
You should rehearse your presentation; it should have a clear beginning, middle and end. You
are expected to stand, make eye contact and speak clearly.
You will not be allowed to read from your paper during the presentation. Therefore, during your
presentation you should use bullet point notes or note cards to have important information
written down and stay organized.
Make sure to review the presentation rubric before presenting.
Due Dates:
To allow you enough time to research, read, annotate your articles and write your papers, your
first insight paper is due on or before Monday, October 17 and your second insight paper is
due on or before Monday, December 12.
Insight papers must be turned in by the dates above to earn credit and you must present your
insight paper to the class on or before its due date to earn credit.
Papers turned in by Monday, October 3 and Monday, November 28 guarantees that you will
have an opportunity to present to the class.
Grading and Points:
Please carefully read and follow both the insight paper (25 possible points) and oral
presentation rubric (20 possible points) to ensure you are submitting your best work. Ask me if
you have any questions.
INSIGHT PAPER RUBRIC (25 possible points)
RESEARCH, TOPIC,
UNDERSTANDING AND INSIGHTS
Research: Paper discusses at least
two detailed and distinct current
U.S. news articles on the same
topic as the basis of paper.
Topic: Paper is about an
important/significant current news
topic about the U.S. Government or
Economy (depending on the
semester).
Format: Paper is 2 full typed
pages, single spaced and 12 point
font with proper margins.
Organization: Paper is clearly
organized with an introduction,
body paragraphs and a conclusion
that adds to the paper.
Insights/Understanding: Paper
makes clear and meaningful
insights about the topic (which may
include thoughtful and unanswered
questions about the topic).
ALL elements
present
5
MOST elements SOME elements LITTLE or NO
present
present
elements present
4
3
1
5
4
3
1
5
4
3
1
5
4
3
1
5
4
3
1
INSIGHT PAPER ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC (16 possible points)
ORGANIZATION, SPEAKING AND
DELIVERY
Understanding: Presenter is able to
demonstrate an in-depth
understanding (i.e., is able to easily
expand on topic and can answer
reasonable questions about topic.).
Organization and Delivery:
Presentation is well organized with
a clear beginning, middle and
conclusion. Presenter shows
enthusiasm, doesn’t rush and
avoids “likes, ums, kind of, you
know,” etc.
Posture and Eye Contact:
Presenter keeps stands up straight,
keeps their head up, does not read
notes like a script and looks at and
speaks to whole audience
Clarity and Volume: Presenter can
be clearly and easily heard by all.
No gum, etc.
ALL elements
present
4
MOST elements
present
3
SOME elements
present
2
LITTLE or NO
elements present
1
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1

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